Cybex Cloud Z vs Maxi-Cosi?

[katekane]

Hi, looking for some advice on a newborn car seat.

We live in central London and don't own a car ourselves, so need something that can be installed with a seatbelt. Car seat will be used for the ff in first year:

1. Taking baby home from hospital in Uber/taxi/hire car
   
2. Occasional Ubers/Taxis as needed (we don't take them frequently but it would be nice to have the option)
   
3. Travel -- between 4-6 months baby will probably travel to at least 2 other countries (to meet great-grandparents and extended family) where we'll have to be in a car ride home from the airport, plus a little bit of car travel around town as needed. So ideally we'd like something reasonably lightweight.
   
   I like the look of the Cybex Cloud Z, the lie-flat feature seems handy in case baby falls asleep on the trip and we want to let them nap for a bit after getting back to house/hotel. Would love to hear any feedback re: ease of belt installation.
   
   However, based on what I've read it's not i-Size rated if it's not installed with the Isofix base so I'm wondering if I should opt for something else? I don't fully understand i-Size and all the other safety ratings so not sure if seats are just considered less safe without a base. I've been eyeing other people's baby gear (from a responsible social distance of course) whenever I'm outside lately and it seems like a lot of people have Maxi-Cosi car seats, and the Pebble Pro also looks nice... any advice greatly appreciated :)

[teaandlotusbiscoff]

The cloud only reclines to 140° so you would still have to abide with the 2 hour car seat rule.

The only reason it isn’t i-size when seatbelt installed is because i-size requires isofix (as it makes it less likely to be incorrectly installed), doesn’t mean it’s less safe. IIRC you can sometimes get a better fit as some cars have sloped seats so isofix can be rigid and make the seat too upright.

The cloud can last until ~18 months while the pebble says it only lasts until ~12 months, but actually even bigger babies can fit in the maxi Cosi infant carriers until 15ish months as they’re huge!

I have heard things about the cloud not being lightweight although when I carried it I found it fine. The pebble pro is also great, especially with the newborn insert. The maxi Cosi adaptors for pushchairs are actually universal so can fit both car seats on.

[BertieBotts]

I'd get neither as a non driver. You need a seat which you can fit with seatbelt and is lightweight and preferably can fit onto a buggy. The next stage up is a pain in the neck as a non driver so you want a seat which will last as long as possible.

The cloud Z isn't less safe on the base - i-size is to do with fitting, not safety. The safety part is the new regulation R129 which i-size is a part of. The seat has been tested to this and won't magically lose side impact protection when not on a base :) the reason I don't recommend the cloud z is that it's very heavy. The pebble is a nice seat but has a low height limit, about 75cm, so won't last you very long.

I would look at:
Venicci Ultralite (rebrand of Avionaut Pixel for UK Market)
Maxi cosi Citi/Cabriofix

Both lightweight, long lasting options which fit with seatbelt and will go on a pushchair (maxi cosi adapters) if you need them to.

[katekane]

@teaandlotusbiscoff @BertieBotts

Thanks so much, I was hoping you'd weigh in as I've seen your super helpful replies in other threads :) I'd actually seen the Ultralite but thought it could only be used with a base for some reason, will def be checking that and the other Maxi-Cosi seats out!

[teaandlotusbiscoff]

No problem although there is another lightweight one which is good (sorry to add if it confuses you) but the joie i-snug is another good, lightweight seat to look at

[BertieBotts]

I-snug has a low height limit as well so I would not recommend that for a non driver. It is a nice seat though :)

I have just double checked and the Venicci seat can be fitted with a seatbelt, it's the first thing that's in the manual. Generally any blue guides on a seat are there for rear facing seatbelt routing, and I thought I had spotted those, but the manual is another way to check.

The Citi and Cabriofix are the same seat - the only difference is the Cabriofix is also compatible with Maxi Cosi bases whereas the Citi is designed for non-drivers (it's more popular in other European countries) and isn't compatible with any base. Citi is a little bit cheaper but Cabriofix is more widely known and available.

[Mulner88]

Hi, I know this is an old thread but myself and my husband are both in this exact situation as you were OP. Living in central London and just needing a car seat for travelling in taxis and other peoples cars etc. I'm just wondering what you opted for in the end as we were also thinking about these two options.

[BertieBotts]

@Mulner88 just to update the advice upthread, the maxi Cosi cabriofix has been retired now, the cabriofix i-size is one of the ones with a smaller height limit so not as useful.

In the same situation today I'd add to look at Cybex Aton S. That's a relatively lower cost, good safety, light, fits many prams and long lasting.

Also Britax infant seats released after 2022 have the buggy compatibility and they are really worth a look too. A bit more pricey but lovely to use and they belt in nicely. The new Baby-Safe 5Z is very popular, I haven't seen it myself yet.

[Mulner88]

@BertieBotts thanks so much for your reply. I'll have a look into these ☺️